“Half Of Autos Off Roads!” LPG Crisis Paralyzes Bengaluru Transport
Bengaluru is facing a serious transport disruption as a sharp shortage of auto-LPG has pushed nearly half of the city’s autorickshaws off the roads, leaving thousands of daily commuters struggling. The crisis has led to long queues at gas stations, rising fuel prices, and growing frustration among drivers who depend on LPG to run their vehicles.
The shortage has hit private LPG suppliers the hardest. Several major private operators have either shut down or are running out of stock. Companies like Total Gas have reportedly closed all their outlets in the city, while others such as Surya Gas and Super Gas are struggling to maintain supply. Even government-backed outlets operated by Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum are unable to meet demand, forcing many drivers to return empty-handed after hours of waiting.
The situation has also triggered a sharp increase in LPG prices. While government agencies are selling LPG at around ₹85 per kg, private suppliers are charging between ₹125 and ₹135 per kg. In many cases, drivers are not even allowed to fill full tanks. Instead, stations are limiting supply to about ₹1000 worth of gas, which translates to roughly 9.5 to 10 kg per vehicle.
The shortage appears to have worsened after global supply disruptions linked to ongoing conflicts. According to gas station owners, daily supply has dropped drastically. Earlier, stations used to receive around four tonnes of LPG per day, but this has now reduced to two tonnes and, in recent days, supply has become irregular.
Auto drivers say the situation is becoming unsustainable. Ahmed Pasha, a driver from Bengaluru South, shared his struggle, saying he waited in line from 5 am to 10:30 am just to get a limited amount of gas. Even after requesting more fuel, he was denied because stations needed to distribute supplies among other drivers. The fuel he received allows him to run his auto for about 250 km, after which he must again join long queues.
Adding to the problem is the fact that many LPG autorickshaws were originally petrol vehicles converted to LPG. Over time, drivers removed the petrol system to save costs. Now, with LPG supply uncertain, switching back to dual-fuel systems would cost them over ₹3000, which many cannot afford.
Amid the crisis, electric autorickshaws and CNG-powered vehicles have emerged as a temporary relief, helping keep some level of transport running in the city. However, for thousands of LPG-dependent drivers, the shortage continues to threaten their livelihood and Bengaluru’s daily commute.
